A Little Shabby California Dreaming

I wasn't sure we would get to stop here this time going through L.A., so I didn't get my hopes up. I felt a visit was optional. L.A. traffic is just crazy! 

But once you step through the doors, you forget all that. In fact, I practically forget to breathe. . .

Just a stroll through the rooms and my head fills with inadequate superlatives.

Surging inspiration. . . . A shop like no other. . . . But always with some little down to earth touches like the vintage glassware that I already own some of. Only mine never looks quite this good. . . .

I think that I may have lost consciousness for a moment somewhere about here. . .

What more is there to say?

If you ever get a chance to float through. . . . Do. . . .

Jacqueline

Join me at

Shabby Art Boutique~Shabbilicious Friday

Christmas at Pom Pom Interiors

We popped into Pom Pom Interiors on our recent L.A. trip to see what was happening for the holidays. But it always feels festive here! A couple of bottle brush trees in white dominate the main room.

But plenty of other glitz to go around!

Loved the napkin rings, and brought just a few home.

Darling little pink tree.

Added a votive to my collection too.

And a couple of strands of this beaded tinsel garland. . . 

This little crowned woofer ornament followed me home as well.

So much fun! I turned on my usual satellite radio station today (the forties) to find Christmas music playing. I'm a gonner now! Making way for my own glitz and glitter. . .

I hope it's a good week for you!

Lots to do . . .

Jacqueline

Going Coastal at Rue de Lillie Antiques

It's every bit as sunny and bright as it appears in these photos of Summerland, California on the Pacific coast near Santa Barbara. Perfect antiquing (or anything) weather. People think it's hot. I'm glad to be back to summer in Summerland if only for a day or two!                  

    

My favorite stops face the ocean, housed in old cottages, some well over a hundred years old.

All the shops are in transition, making way for Christmas merchandise. The gorgeous French shop Rue de Lillie is no exception. We caught it in full swing of a clearance sale.

Fresh roses greet us at the door, and a spicy scent wafts through the wonderful rooms. Even Mr. Cottage loves to stop here after breakfast and coffee.

Small inspirations dot all the rooms even though the decorating has only just begun.

I'm glad we're on the way back home, as I can't wait to do some of my own re-arranging!

French antiques in a sunny window.

Plentiful French linen, old and new.

Dear, dear Santa! Wrap this up for me!

I like the whimsical portrait front and center here. When I suggest that we have one of our "ancestor" paintings done up the same way, Mr. C. says, tactfully, "I think you are more taken with it than me."

But I did bring home this little joy a la Francais!

A little browsing has certainly gotten me in the mood for more! Don't you love charming little shops this time of year? So many great ideas. As if we needed any more! Haha!

I hope you're having fun too whatever the weather!

Jacqueline

paper cones

It's just an accident that the tempo for my paper Christmas cone is "Agitato", the Italian term for music to be played quickly, with agitation and excitement. But what better a description for the way the holiday season itself plays out?

I didn't really notice what was written on my snippet of sheet music at first because I was busy tearing paper like a fourth grader. It's what I'm into this season. Eagerly playing with paper scraps for a few quick and easy projects, and with even a bit of agitation thrown in. Agitato! But the end result is that I think I have designed my prototype for a perfectly splendid holiday paper cone.

I owe the French/Nordic tradition of Jeanne d'Arc Living publications for the inspiration this year. I thought I only loved the look, but it turns out that there is this highly appealing folksy approach and simplicity about it. The projects are as relaxed and easy as a paper cone. And best of all? . . . . You  cannot  get  it  wrong. . . 

Mine started like this. Very plain. A sheet of card stock paper rolled into a cone shape. Stapled at the top and taped at the bottom. I covered mine with player piano paper from a roll, and tied a ribbon around the middle to keep the cone from gaping half way down, but a spot of glue from a glue gun would take care of that.

Trims are from the bridal department of the craft store because I like white and wanted something fancy.

A scrap of tulle ribbon.

Mr. Cottage loved it with the evergreen sprigs in it and tried to dissuade me from making it any fancier, but it didn't photograph well enough. (Agitation.) And I had something glitzier in mind! (Excitment!)

Tinsel, a snippet of stamped paper, a bit of vintage sheet music, and voila! I can't wait to make a hundred different more! Just think of the wonderful vintage trinkets and treats you could tuck inside!

A little French lace makes the perfect backdrop. . .

I hope you're up to something cheery too!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Jacqueline

Join me at 

Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

Timewashed~Blissful Whites Wednesday

No Minimalist Here~Open House

Ivy & Elephants~What's It Wednesday

Common Ground~Be Inspired

French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home~Show & Tell